The daughter of President Paul Biya, via an interview given to the Journal Le Parisien on July 9, admitted that she was gay and she or he hopes that the regulation on homosexuality will change in Cameroon. Under you will see his full interview.
“Could my story change the regulation”
Cameroonian president’s daughter, Brenda Biya, Storm began by posting an image of herself kissing her boyfriend. In his nation, homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment.
BRENDA FOOD fiddle along with his fingers. The thought of expressing it makes her “anxious”. Sunday June 30, the 27-year-old younger girl posted on her Instagram account (@kingnastyy) a photograph of her kissing her boyfriend, Layyons, a 25-year-old Brazilian mannequin. The title in English confirms what’s popping out: “PS: I am loopy about you and I need the world to comprehend it. » Nevertheless, Brenda is the daughter of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, 91 years previous, the oldest elected chief on the earth. Within the nation he has led since 1982, as in twenty-six different African international locations, homosexuality is unlawful, punishable by 5 years in jail. Round twenty individuals are at present imprisoned in Cameroon for having a relationship with an individual of the identical intercourse. Brenda Biya is conscious of the “sturdy message” that her speech represents. She agreed to belief her, at her house in Geneva (Switzerland), on the opulent shores of Lake Geneva.
How have you ever been since your Instagram publish?
BRENDA FOOD. I really feel higher. I’m relieved. I acquired quite a lot of assist from Cameroonian and Western organizations. Individuals wished me braveness. However I additionally obtained adverse, homophobic reactions. There have been some very violent ones, which I am nonetheless digesting. I inform myself it is going to move, like all the things.
Why do you agree to talk at the moment?
It was necessary to elucidate why I posted this photograph. Some say I did it for the joys nevertheless it’s way more than that. There are many folks in the identical scenario as me, that suffer due to who they’re. If I can provide them hope, assist them really feel much less alone, if I can ship love, I am blissful. Talking is the chance to ship a good stronger message.
You’re the daughter of the president of Cameroon. What does this imply? There may be quite a lot of stress. As a result of folks have excessive expectations of you. I all the time thought I wasn’t actually lower out for this position. I see it relatively like a golden cage. I am a bit just like the black sheep of my household. After I left Cameroon at school for Switzerland, it liberated me slightly.
You grew up in a rustic the place homosexuality is unlawful. How did you take care of your sexuality?
I had my first crush on a lady once I was 16 however I had a tough time accepting it. I used to be in denial. I do know the traditions of my nation, and for me it was unbelievable. On the time, I used to be satisfied that even when at some point I managed to have a relationship with a girl, it might stay considerably personal. I assumed I must cover all of it my life from my household and the world. I did not really feel like I used to be fully me. Then I had my first relationship with a girl
12 months in college and I began to show myself a bit extra. I informed my Cameroonian buddies. They had been stunned however they accepted me as I used to be. It was a reduction to me.
Why did you make your relationship official on social media?
I did not inform anybody about it, not even my boyfriend. I stunned everybody. We’ve been collectively for eight months. I’ve already taken her to Cameroon thrice however with out saying who she is to me. I had additionally posted photos together with her on my networks and there have been speculations. However it was not clear. I have been enthusiastic about asserting this for some time. Now I be happy.
What was your loved ones’s response?
They did not find out about it. My brother known as me first. He was indignant, primarily due to how I did it, as a result of I had been introduced on the networks earlier than I informed him about it. I perceive that, however I defined to him that if I had approached them, they might have given up the dialog, beating across the bush.
And your father?
Then it was my dad and mom who known as me. They wished me to delete the publish. However for me it was like taking a step again and I had already taken the trail. It wasn’t only a publish: it meant accepting your self. Since then, it has been radio silence.
Would you want to vary the regulation that punishes homosexuality in Cameroon? This regulation existed earlier than my father was in energy. I discover it unfair and I hope my story will change it. Minds are altering in Cameroon, particularly among the many youthful era. It would undoubtedly take time however I believe issues can change. It could be too quickly to vanish fully nevertheless it might be so tight. We may remove the jail sentence first.
How do you see the longer term?
It nonetheless is very obscure. I may lose loads: break ties with my household, I not have the fitting to go to my nation, be imprisoned… My want is that we’ve a direct and open dialog with my dad and mom the place we might settle all the things. I hope that can occur however first, I’ll allow them to digest. Me too, nonetheless digesting my very own scenario…
Supply: Le Parisien
